japan running news

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2012112800574

translated by Brett Larner

The organizers of the Dec. 2 Fukuoka International Marathon announced on Nov. 28 that three-time London Marathon winner Martin Lel (Kenya), with a best time of 2:05:15, has withdrawn from Sunday's race due to an injury to his right thigh.

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2012111400668
http://www.asahi.com/sports/update/1114/SEB201211140011.html

translated and edited by Brett Larner

The Fukuoka International Marathon organizers announced Nov. 14 that three-time London Marathon winner Martin Lel (Kenya), with a best time of 2:05:15, and five other overseas athletes have been added to the elite field for the Dec. 2 race.  The other late additions include London Olympics marathoner Scott Overall (Great Britain), Canadian 10000 m national record holder Simon Bairu and Americans Tim Nelson, Ryan Vail, and Brent Vaughan. All six athletes were scheduled to run the New York City Marathon which was cancelled after a major hurricane hit the east coast of the United States.

2012 Fukuoka International Marathon Elite Field Fukuoka, 12/2/12
field listing includes select general division entrants
Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) - 2:03:59 Martin Lel (Kenya) - 2:05:15 Dmytro Baranovskyy (Ukraine) - 2:07:15 Isaac Macharia (Kenya) - 2:07:…

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2011032800938
translated by Brett Larner
On Mar. 28, Beijing Olympics men's marathon gold medalist and 2009 London Marathon winner Samuel Wanjiru (Kenya) withdrew from this year's London Marathon to be held on Apr. 17. Wanjiru cited an injury to his right knee in announcing his withdrawal. He has not run a major race since winning last October's Chicago Marathon.
In his place, three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel (Kenya) was added to this year's London field.